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- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup canned chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1/2 red onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards a great salad. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Broccoli adds crunch and a bright color. Chickpeas provide protein and heartiness. Red onion gives a mild bite, while dried cranberries offer a little tartness. Feta cheese adds creaminess, but it's optional. Sunflower seeds give a nice crunch and extra flavor. Next, for the dressing, you’ll use extra-virgin olive oil for richness. Apple cider vinegar adds tang, while maple syrup balances with sweetness. Dijon mustard gives depth, and salt plus pepper tie everything together. This mix will dress your salad perfectly. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps! Roasting the sweet potatoes Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet. Roast them for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. You want them tender and slightly caramelized. Blanching the broccoli While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the broccoli. Boil a pot of water. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and place it in ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps the color. After a couple of minutes, drain it again and set aside. Combining the main ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, blanched broccoli, 1 cup of drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, 1/2 finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients well. Making the salad dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Tossing and serving tips Drizzle the dressing over the mixed salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything. If you like, add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. For a pop of color, garnish with extra sunflower seeds and cranberries. This salad tastes great chilled or at room temperature. For the full recipe, check the details above. To achieve caramelized sweet potatoes, start by cutting them into even 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook uniformly. Toss the cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them to be soft and golden brown. The caramelization brings out the sweet flavor. To elevate the taste, add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle spices such as cumin or paprika. These add warmth and depth. Try adding lemon zest for a bright twist. You can mix and match based on what you enjoy, making the dish your own. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works as a side to a hearty main dish. Consider serving it with quinoa or brown rice for added texture. The salad is great on its own, too. It’s versatile and fits any occasion. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can change up the vegetables in this salad. Try using cauliflower instead of broccoli. You can also add bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Carrots or zucchini work great too. If you want more protein, add black beans or edamame. Nuts like almonds or walnuts can replace sunflower seeds. Each swap gives a new taste and texture. Making this salad vegan is easy. Just skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based option. For gluten-free needs, check your dressing ingredients. All the main items are gluten-free, so you're good to go. You can also add quinoa for a hearty touch. It’s a great way to make it filling and healthy. Change the salad with the seasons. In spring, add fresh peas and asparagus. In summer, toss in cherry tomatoes and corn. Fall is perfect for roasted Brussels sprouts instead of broccoli. Winter can bring kale for a hearty bite. Adjusting the ingredients keeps the dish fresh and exciting all year. To keep your sweet potato broccoli salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. You can enjoy the salad for up to three days. If you notice the salad is starting to dry out, add a splash of dressing to revive it. If you want to save the salad for later, freezing is a great option. However, I recommend freezing only the sweet potatoes and broccoli. The chickpeas and other ingredients may not freeze well. To freeze, place the sweet potatoes and broccoli in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad again, proper reheating is key. You can microwave the sweet potatoes and broccoli on low heat. Stir every 30 seconds to keep them from getting mushy. If you want a crisp texture, consider roasting the vegetables in the oven. This will help regain some of their original flavor and crunch. Always check that the salad is heated through before serving. You can use other proteins in your salad. Good options include: - Canned black beans - Cooked lentils - Edamame - Grilled chicken - Tofu Each option adds flavor and protein. Choose what you like best. Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. Here are some tips: - Roast the sweet potatoes and chill them. - Blanch the broccoli and cool it quickly. - Store all ingredients separately. - Mix everything together just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Look for these signs of perfect roasting: - They should be tender when pierced with a fork. - The edges should be slightly caramelized. - A golden-brown color adds to the flavor. These signs mean your sweet potatoes are ready to enjoy! This blog post shared a recipe for a tasty salad, highlighting fresh ingredients like sweet potatoes and chickpeas. I walked you through the easy steps to prepare and assemble the dish, plus tips to make it even better. You can swap ingredients based on your tastes or diet, ensuring it fits any meal. Remember, proper storage keeps it fresh, and reheating maintains flavor. Enjoy making this vibrant salad that packs a nutritious punch!

Sweet Potato Broccoli Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of this Sweet Potato Broccoli Salad that's perfect for any meal! Packed with nutritious ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, fresh broccoli, and crunchy sunflower seeds, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy healthy eating. Drizzled with a tasty dressing, it’s not only colorful but also easy to prepare. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup canned chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

      Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and are tender-crisp. Quickly drain the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, ensuring they retain their color and crunch. After a couple of minutes, drain again and set aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, blanched broccoli, chickpeas, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, mixing everything gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

          For the dressing, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

            Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are coated. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving for an added touch of creaminess.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large serving bowl or portion into individual plates. Garnish with additional sunflower seeds and a sprinkle of cranberries for a pop of color. This salad is delightful served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion!